Living organism packaging

Abstract

A method of packaging, and the package so produced, for maintaining living organisms viable for a long period of time. The living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, etc., are mixed with a carrier, such as peat. The organism-carrier mixture is then disposed in a package, such as a heat-sealable plastic envelope, and a gaseous atmosphere is provided in the package effective to induce and maintain substantial nonvegatative state formation of the organisms. Some organisms will form cysts, others spores, but whatever nonvegetative state is assumed, the organisms will be much less susceptible to heat, cold, starvation, and other adverse environmental factors. Suitable gaseous atmospheres include nitrogen, helium, and argon gases. The package is then sealed to prevent contamination of the atmosphere therein.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of packaging living organisms consisting essentially of the steps of mixing the living organisms with a carrier comprising substantially granular material suitable for maintaining the organisms in a viable condition over a long period of time,   disposing the organism-carrier mixture in a package,   providing a gaseous atmosphere in the package effective to induce and maintain substantial nonvegetative state formation of the organisms, and   sealing the package to prevent contamination of the atmosphere therein until breakage of the seal just before use of the organisms.   
     
     
       2. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the package comprises heat-sealable flexible sheet material, and wherein said sealing step is practiced by heat-sealing the package. 
     
     
       3. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein said atmosphere providing step is accomplished by providing an atmosphere selected from the group consisting essentially of nitrogen, helium, and argon gases. 
     
     
       4. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the living organisms are selected from the group consisting of the genera Azotobacter, Achromobacter, Beijerinckia, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Trichoderma, Anabaena, Cylindrospermum, Nostoc, Volvox, Oscillaria, and Lactobacillus. 
     
     
       5. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein the living organisms selected from the genus Azotobacter are selected from the group consisting of the species vinelandii, agile, and chroococcum. 
     
     
       6. A method as recited in claim 4 wherein the living organisms selected from the genus Rhizobium are selected from the group consisting of the species leguminosarum, phaseoli, trifoli, meliloti, lupini, and juponicum. 
     
     
       7. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the carrier is selected from the group consisting essentially of peat and whey. 
     
     
       8. A method as recited in claim 1 comprising the further steps of breaking the seal of and opening the package after an extended storage period, and applying the organisms with the carrier to plant roots or seeds. 
     
     
       9. A package of living organisms consisting essentially of living organisms mixed with a carrier comprising a substantially granular material suitable for maintaining the organisms in a viable condition over a long period of time,   gaseous atmosphere means for inducing and maintaining substantial nonvegetative state formation of the organisms, and   a sealed envelope surrounding said carrier, organisms, and atmosphere for preventing contamination of said atmosphere until breakage of the envelope seal just before use of the organism.   
     
     
       10. A package as recited in claim 9 wherein said atmosphere means comprises a gas selected from the group consisting essentially of nitrogen, helium and argon gases. 
     
     
       11. A package as recited in claim 9 wherein said envelope comprises a member formed of flexible sheet material. 
     
     
       12. A package as recited in claim 9 or claim 11 wherein said envelope is opaque. 
     
     
       13. A package as recited in claim 11 wherein said envelope flexible sheet material is formed of heat-sealable material. 
     
     
       14. A package as recited in claim 9 wherein the living organisms are selected from the group consisting of the genera Azotobacter, Achromobacter, Beijerinckia, Clostridium, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Rhizobium, Trichoderma, Anabaena, Cylindrospermum, Nostoc, Volvox, Oscillaria, and Lactobacillus. 
     
     
       15. A package as recited in claim 14 wherein the living organisms selected from the genus Azotobacter are selected from the group consisting of the species vinelandii, agile, and chroococcum. 
     
     
       16. A package as recited in claim 14 wherein the living organisms selected from the genus Rhizobium are selected from the group consisting of the species leguminosarum, phaseoli, trifoli, meliloti, lupini, and juponicum. 
     
     
       17. A package as recited in claim 9 wherein said carrier is selected from the group consisting essentially of peat, and whey. 
     
     
       18. A package as recited in claim 9 wherein said carrier comprises peat with a pH controlling substance. 
     
     
       19. A package as recited in claim 20 wherein the pH controlling substance is calcium carbonate. 
     
     
       20. A package of living organisms of the genus Azotobacter, a carrier for the organisms comprising a substantially granular material suitable for maintaining the organisms in a viable condition over a long period of time and effecting utilization of the organisms for application to plants, seed, and the like,   an inert gas atmosphere in the package effective to induce and maintain substantial nonvegetative state formation, and   a gas-tight envelope containing the organism-carrier mixture and atmosphere.   
     
     
       21. A package as recited in claim 22 wherein the carrier is peat and the gas is nitrogen. 
     
     
       22. A method as recited in claim 1 wherein the carrier is peat and comprising the further step of providing a pH controlling substance with the peat. 
     
     
       23. A method as recited in claim 22 wherein the pH controlling substance is calcium carbonate. 
     
     
       24. A package as recited in claim 9 wherein said carrier further comprises a material suitable for effecting application of the organisms in the carrier to plant roots, seeds, and the like.